Why ‘job hugging’ can be worse than quitting

In a low-hire labor market, clinging to a current role—however unsatisfying it is—may seem logical. But there’s a psychological impact to feeling stuck.

Amid an uncertain economy—the growth of AI, tariffs, rising costs—companies are pulling back on hiring. As layoffs increase, the labor market cools, and unemployment ticks up, we’re seeing fewer people quitting their jobs. The implication: Many workers will be “job hugging” and sitting tight in their roles through 2026.